Letter signed by the miracle-maker, righteous person, Admor Shlomke of Zhvil and another 28 rabbis, some famous, opposing collaboration with the National Committee. Jerusalem, Nissan [1935].
Specifications: [1] page, paper. 23×16 cm.
Unique Features: [28] rabbinical signatures, including that of Rabbi Shlomo of Zhvil, a noted miracle-worker. Many believed that he was a “Tzaddik Yesod Olam” – a foundation of the world. Rabbi Shlomke of Zhvil did not often sign letters or placards and, to the best of our knowledge, his signature has never before been sold at auction.
Background: The letter, written in Nissan 1935, expresses the rabbis’ opposition to the Ashkenazic City Committee that wished to join the National Committee, the operational arm of the Assembly of Representatives during the British mandate in Palestine. The National Committee was first chosen by the members of the Assembly of Representatives in the 1920s, and started its operations that year. In 1928, it was recognized by the British as the representative of the Jewish settlement. Agudat Yisrael and the Eidah HaCharedit opposed the Committee and did not participate in it due to their general opposition to Zionism and the difference of opinion regarding Judaism, ritual slaughter and more.
Along with the signature of the Admor of Zhvil, this document bears the signatures of the Admor of Chernobyl, Rabbi Zussia Twersky … the Jerusalem preacher Rabbi Shalom Mordechai Schwardron; Rabbi Eliyahu Zlotnik, dayan of the Eidah HaCharedit beit din; Jerusalem righteous person, Rabbi Michael Herman, and many more.
Rabbi Shlomo Goldman (R’ Shlomke of Zhvil, 1869-1945 ) was the fourth Admor of Zhvil. He established the Zhvil chassidut in the Land of Israel. He was a son-in-law of Rabbi Alter of Dawidgródek. In 1925, he fled with his grandson, Rabbi Mordechai, from communist Russia to Poland and from there he reached Jerusalem in [1926]. He studied in Yeshivat Chayei Olam. Though he lived simply and modestly and concealed the fact that the was an Admor, Jerusalem residents recognized his greatness and he eventually became famed as a miracle-worker. He passed away on the 26th of Iyar, 1945, and was buried on Mount of Olives. His grave serves as a pilgrimage site that draws masses of people.
Condition: Fine. Fold marks, aging stains.